White-collars, black eyes

Photo by Fan Zhen / China Daily

"Amateur boxing in China is a powerhouse," Benis says. "They train two or three hours in the morning, two or three in the evening. They don't' even go to school."

However, "Boxing in China, in terms of following and general participation, is in its infancy".

Bob Arum, CEO and founder of globally leading boxing-promotion company Top Rank, says the pastime was popular in the country but was banned following New China's 1949 founding. That carved away much of its fan base, he says.

Arum believes boxing is poised for a renewal in China with the recent rise of such domestic fighters as Zou Shiming.

"We believe there is a hunger for boxing," Arum says.

"What we found out was that sports are a very nationalistic thing. Boxing is a one-on-one sport. People like rooting for fighters they can identify from their country."

Arum says Chinese cheered zealously for Zou during his pro debut in Macao in early April.

The rise of such stars has generated more interest in amateur fights.

Green and his competitors underwent arduous two-hour sessions three days a week for three months. It was so intense that steam could be seen swirling off Green's head at one point.

Their preparations include weight training, physical conditioning and boxing techniques.